As usual, listening to an Alexander McCall-Smith book is a much richer experience than reading it, although I enjoy that too. The narrator does a won..Show More »derful job with the scottish accent...I guess brogue, and is a pleasure to listen to. I was touched by the engaging story and laughed many times on my way to work and back. If you ever have a chance to attend a talk by the author, do it!! He was recently in Denver and is a warm, funny man. One of the characters in "Friends, Lovers, Chocolate..." plays the bassoon in an orchestra as does the author, who co-founded "The Really Terrible Orchestra"...a great example of his self-deprecating humor. He has been a professor (of law and ethics) and I'm sure that is why this and the "Sausage Dog" series ring so true. He lives in Scotland with his family and was born in Africa. The only time he grew serious during his talk was when he very sympathetically described the problems on that continent and expressed his appreciation for the help provided there by the US government. An amazing and very entertaining man.

« Show Less

I love this entire series, and found this book to be different than the last two, but still great. One of my favorite things about Mr. McCall-Smith's..Show More » books is his ability to get inside the head of each of us and bring to life all those crazy thoughts and worries we all have but hide from others. This book excels in bringing to life Ms. Dalhousy's personal growth and new experiences in life in a way that has been stilted in previous books. The reader/performer is also excellent, using different accents and tones to express each character.
If you want mysteries to solve, this book doesn't have them, but if you want to enjoy the fun of personal growth and experimentation through the eyes of a 42yo brilliant woman, then this is the book for you.

« Show Less

I am an A.M.S. fan. I loved his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. The key to reading his books is really following his characters from the first..Show More » book--his character development is truly exceptional and while the books aren't fast- paced, they are interesting. However, when you read his books out of sequence, they are not as engaging and in fact are a bit slow. I ordered this book not realizing that it was the 4th book in this series. I think that I would have enjoyed it more, if I had already listened to the first 3 books--this is based on my knowledge of this author. The Narrator did a great job but I don't recommend listening to this book if you haven't listened to the 1st three books.

« Show Less

Another pleasant visit with Isabel Dalhousie. The narrator, Davina Porter, is absolutely terrific!

The main character Isabel always trusts people and will try to help when asked. But when an acquaintance asks a favor, it turns out she's not telling ..Show More »the truth and is taking advantage. I enjoyed the realizations the main character made as she did her best to help in various situations. This book is slow moving with a lot of minutely rendered dialog and gives the detailed thought process of the main character. Some might not like it as an audio book. If you like a lot of action, pick something different.

« Show Less

I don't really know which of the Alexander McCall Smith series I love most, but I love Isabel Dalhousie, Jamie, and Mr Fox. By now they are old frien..Show More »ds, and we enjoy Isabel's thoughts and curiosity and moral quandaries. I also like feeling like we see into another culture. Perhaps those people could exist anywhere, but they fit perfectly where they are. I am so happy that Alexander McCall Smith is able write so prolifically. I enjoy each book as it comes out and have to wait just a little time until the next one arrives. This book is delightful.

« Show Less

I can never decide which characters I like best in the McCall Smith universe. Is it Precious Ramostwe in Botswana and her #1 Ladies' Detective Agency?..Show More » Or is it Isabel Dalhousie, detective of a different sort, investigator of the mind and all things philosophical? Or is it Bertie and his well-meaning but dysfunctional parents who are part of the cohort at 44 Scotland Street?

In any case, I love the way this man writes. Slower-paced, reflective and ruminating, but never so indulgent that the reader is driven nuts with impatience. His books are like listening to familiar music - you can savor the slow parts because you know what's coming. And he does it all with an economy of words.

I think this latest is one of McCall Smith's best. It has all the suspense of a true "search for identity" case, mixed with all the usual ambiguities, odd juxtapositions, and perils of the "examined life" that go along with Isabel Dalhousie's life and work as editor and publisher of a philosophical journal. McCall Smith seems to strike just that perfect combination of outward narrative and inner landscape that makes his characters so relatable.

I don't know quite where I'll turn for this sort of literary fun if or when Smith ever retires from cranking out these stories. I know that day is inevitable, but I hope it's not coming any time soon.




« Show Less